"Yuan Long, come and sit down! Zhang Dejun, serve tea to General Zhao!" In the Chongzheng Hall, Zhao Kuangyin entered the hall to resume his duties. He was covered in dust and was about to salute when he was moved by the emperor's enthusiasm.
"This time, the messenger from Hedong has traveled thousands of miles back and forth. The carriage and horse are tiring, and the king's affairs are tiring. Thank you for your hard work!" Liu Chengyou smiled and said to Zhao Kuangyin: "The errand was done well, and I am very satisfied with the result!"
"Thanks to His Majesty's trust, I have been entrusted with the important task of selecting military talents for the country. I feel this in my heart and dare not slack off. If I have not fulfilled your Majesty's mission, I feel at ease. A little running around and working is nothing!" Zhao Kuangyin said.
Looking at his actions and listening to his words, Liu Chengyou wouldn't believe it if Zhao Kuangyin had any wild ambitions. At least with his current eyesight, he couldn't see it at all.
Nodding, Liu Chengyou said: "The soldiers selected from Hedong, the front of the palace and the guards have been inspected. They are all strong men and there is no abuse. They can directly replenish the army! I have decided to inspect them in person in three days. , you are the conductor of the review!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Kuangyin stood up without sacrificing etiquette and thanked him: "The soldiers from Hedong have admired Your Majesty's power for a long time. If we are grateful for your kindness, why worry about the soldiers not dying in return!"
"I have read a lot about the reform of the military system in Hedong. However, I still need you, a minister who has witnessed it, to describe the specific situation!" Liu Chengyou asked with a warm smile on his lips.
After hearing the inquiry, Zhao Kuangyin immediately described the details of the army's preparations before and after, without missing any omissions. It was completely in accordance with the military regulations of the Privy Council, and no flaw could be heard in the words. From Zhao Kuangyin's description, Liu Chengyou was even more impressed.
After a brief pause, he said: "All the elites from Hedong will be transferred to Tokyo. The local guards will have no impact on the situation!" Liu Chengyou said.
Zhao Kuangyin answered without thinking: "Under the Hedong Dusi, there are still ten thousand soldiers, with Taiyuan Prefecture as the center, and they are divided into various prefectures. Although they are not as elite as the selected soldiers, they are enough to ensure peace for one place. In addition, they are trained by the commanders of the royal capital. Training. The soldiers who have been appointed may work as errands in prefectures or counties, or as officials in the countryside. Furthermore, they will also be given money, grain, and acres of land to spread the benevolence of His Majesty and the imperial court in the countryside. Therefore, the local security must be worry-free!"
"Have the families of the soldiers who entered the capital been settled well?" Liu Chengyou asked again.
"The Chief Envoy of Hedong should have a detailed report on this matter!" Zhao Kuangyin subconsciously became more cautious and replied: "However, as far as I know, the officials who came to the capital have been given out by the government according to the grace system. Land, farm tools, and cattle. Fan Xianggong ordered the local governments to handle this matter carefully. When the soldiers heard about it, their morale was very happy!"
"Hmm..." Glancing at Zhao Kuangyin, Liu Chengyou leaned forward and said with a bit of curiosity: "I heard that when you were young, you traveled to the Central Plains and sought employment in various states. You also worked for Wang Yanchao, but... He rejected me. We met in Taiyuan this summer and worked together together. In addition, you are already the Marquis of Yu, the capital of my Han Dynasty. How did Wang Yanchao react?"
Hearing the emperor mention this, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but smile and replied: "It's been nearly ten years since we met again. The commander of the royal capital personally held a banquet to apologize to me. I went to the appointment, but I didn't dare to accept the courtesy!"
"Why? Are you still worried and dissatisfied with how he looked down on you back then?" Liu Chengyou became more and more curious.
Zhao Kuangyin shook his head and explained: "Your Majesty has misunderstood. I was young, frivolous and ignorant. When I came under the command of the king's envoy, I immediately asked for a position in the military academy. Just imagine, at that time, I was young and idle, with no reputation and no talent. How could I Later, he came to the top and was appointed as a military academy. It is reasonable for the commander of the royal capital not to accept him. How can I complain about this?
Now that I think about it, I feel ashamed that I was so ambitious back then. In addition, at the beginning, I was short of money, but the commander of the royal capital still gave me money and travel expenses. This was a kindness. This is why I accepted the invitation, but I did not dare to accept the gift of apology!
Now that I have become a minister in the same palace, I will be loyal to your majesty and the great man. I should put aside my past grudges and work as one for the public. What's more, there is far from any quarrel between the minister and the commander of the royal capital! "
"You are really knowledgeable and open-minded!" Liu Chengyou praised.
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. I just follow my heart, and I don't dare to abolish public service for personal reasons!" Zhao Kuangyin said calmly.
Liu Chengyou couldn't help but glance at Zhao Kuangyin a few more times, thought for a while, and asked: "If you visit the three armies of northern Shanxi, can the Dingxiang, Ninghua, and Baoning armies resist the Khitan?"
When the emperor asked about border preparations, Zhao Kuangyin immediately stepped into the role and responded: "The Dingxiang and Baoning armies were adapted from the original Zhou and Fuzhou garrison. They have been in the border areas for a long time, and they are well-equipped and well-trained. He is well-trained and has long-term experience in fighting against the Khitan. He is familiar with the enemy's situation and combat methods. He has strong combat power and can be called an elite.
Along the border, fortresses and military strongholds were also built according to the terrain and situation. The aggressiveness may not be enough, but the defense is sufficient. When the Ninghua Army was first established, the number of soldiers selected might be slightly inferior. However, Li Jun was a veteran general and had his own leadership and training. As long as the soldiers and armor were supplied with money and food, the court could feel at ease! "
"In addition." After a pause, Zhao Kuangyin said: "I heard in northern Shanxi that the Khitan leader Yelü Tarlie, the king of Nanyuan, was in charge of Yun and Wei. This person took office less than a year ago. He paid taxes and levies, encouraged farmers to cultivate crops, and rewarded and punished those who were trustworthy. He has won the hearts of his soldiers, and his talents and political achievements are very outstanding. I think this is a serious problem, and the court cannot take it lightly!"
"It seems that what you went to the north this time is not bad!" Liu Chengyou sighed: "When Yelu Talie and Yang Ye were in Beijing, I also said that it was indeed good. Although the Khitan belongs to the Hu bandits, Its power has been rising and it has dominated the northern region for decades. There are indeed capable ministers and good generals under its rule! If you want to make an expedition to the north and regain the rivers and mountains, it will not be easy!"
"I, the Han Dynasty, have a wise king and a heroic leader. He has ministers who govern the country, and generals who can conquer the country are innumerable. How can the Khitan compare with them? Given time, your majesty will be able to raise troops to the north and achieve great achievements!" Zhao Kuangyin seemed very confident. look.
Liu Chengyouye responded: "That's right! You, Zhao Yuanlang, are exactly the kind of general who is capable of fighting. Why should I worry about a mere Yelu Tarie!"
"Okay, you're back for the first time and you're exhausted, go down and rest!" After a breath, Liu Chengyou's face returned to kindness, and he said to Zhao Kuangyin: "For your contribution to the east of the river, I will reward you, but you are in danger even if you are in front of the palace. It will be difficult for you to move up high in a short period of time. In this way, I will elevate you to the title of Marquis of Jishan, and give you ten pieces of silk and a hundred coins!"
"Thank you!" Zhao Kuangyin stood up and prostrated.
"In addition, I know that you love to drink and drink heavily. Not long ago, King Wu Yue paid me a tribute of twenty jars of fine wine for constant aging. It is said that they are all more than ten years old. I will reward you with two jars. Go back and taste them. I will give them to you. I’ll take three days off, and I’ll give you a hangover!” Liu Chengyou continued.
"Also, I heard that your father is not in good health. Later, we will go together to collect some mountain supplements. General Zhao is also a veteran in the battlefield. He has served the country well and I admire his skills..."
"Your Majesty has shown such concern for you. I am so grateful that I can only repay you with all your loyalty!" Zhao Kuangyin bowed again. Looking at his expression, he felt deeply moved. It seemed that he could not be more moved.
Liu Chengyou signaled to Zhang Dejun, asking him to lead Zhao Kuangyin out of the palace and arrange rewards.
After he left and recalled his conversation with Zhao, Liu Chengyou had to admit that Zhao Kuangyin was indeed a talented person in the country. I have seen his talents in leading and running the army, and I have an idea, whether to give Zhao Kuangyin a palace and let him become a parent officer and gain experience.
However, it was just a second thought. At least for now, Zhao Kuangyin's military talents are worthy of Liu Chengyou's good use. Guo Rong, on the other hand, may consider asking him to go to the local area and serve as an envoy.
Before long, the palace attendant reported that Gao Huaide asked for an audience and the edict was issued.
When Gao Huaide entered, he immediately caught Liu Chengyou's gaze. He saw his head wrapped in a white scarf and his eyes were red. When he saw Liu Chengyou, he immediately prostrated himself. The six-foot-tall man cried out: "Your Majesty, my father is gone!"
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou was startled. Regardless of his true psychology, his superficial skills must be in place. He said in shock: "What!"
After receiving Gao Xingzhou's suicide note, Liu Chengyou finished reading it with a solemn expression, lamenting sadly: "I have lost an elder, and the great man has lost a pillar of his country!"
